Thread by @funmioyatogun

I want to share some 'secrets' about Rwanda. How can a country rise from a bloody past and become an emerging powerhouse in business, tourism, tech and environment...all in less than 25 years?

This is the story of why everyone deserves a FIELD TRIP to Rwanda! #Rwanda

A Thread.

1a. Rwanda is incredibly focused on Rwanda. It sounds like something that every country should do but the truth is many countries are more loyal to their greed or their corruption. So, after the Genocide of 1994, Rwanda buckled up and took the bull by the horns. Here's how...

1b. Rwanda has built a national identity (RWANDAN) and gradually evolved from tribal classifications of Hutu, Tusti, Twa or whatever artificial classification divided them in the first place. In Rwanda, everyone is RWANDAN first!

See more here -

https://twitter.com/funmioyatogun/status/992287195716247552

2a. Rwanda took something they had, multiplied it and sold it to the world! Can you guess what it is? Yup...GORILLAS! Many people heard that @TheEllenShow visited Rwanda but most don't know that she visited for the gorillas. How can sell Gorillas? It is quite simple...

2b. In other countries, elephants and gorillas are killed unscrupulously. In Rwanda, they are protected. The cheapest ticket to visit the gorillas is $800 - $1000 per person. That's the CHEAPEST! People travel from around the world to hike the hills to visit the amazing beasts.

3a. Rwanda took their sad history, documented it and created a plan to move forward. In other countries, *cough cough*, we don't teach our children the truth of our civil wars without tribal sentiments. In Rwanda, the world comes to learn about the GENOCIDE and the RECOVERY.

3b. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is one of the best museums I have visited on the continent. Fam, this museum uses sound, visuals, photos, antiques and remains to tell a very important story

Side Note: Other good museums are OOPL, Hubert Ogunde Museum & Nairobi National Museum.

4. Rwanda is no longer the ugly duckling / poor step-cousin of East Africa. The country is looking in new, amazing directions. In the last year, some top companies have moved to Rwanda including @Volkswagen & @Andela. Now, the tech revolution of Africa is expanding into Rwanda.

5a. President Paul Kagame is on a roll and Rwanda is all the better for it. Whether or not you agree with his politics, his policies have done amazing things for Rwanda. He talks the talk and walks the walk. Some of his best quotes are hilarious and inspiring at the same time...

5b. Some quotes from President Kagame:

"We have been in the positions of horses; we must change that and be riders of horses & donkeys."

"Success built on internally-generated ideas breeds confidence & fosters dignity."

cont'd

5c. More quotes from Kagame:

"We recognize that trade and investment, and not aid, are pillars of development."

"God has done what He needs to do—given us life and the positions of leadership and now the question is what we can do with that."

6. If you're looking for an affordable country to relax, explore, soak in nature and uncover culture / history, you should visit Rwanda. Apart from the fact that Kigali is voted the cleanest city in Africa, the rest of the country is just mind-blowing.

THIS IS RWANDA

7a. Rwanda has a 'national carrier' that works.

Okay, without dabbling into the back and forth argument, can we give a shout out to @FlyRwandAir? My Lord! In a world of stiff competition with older more established airlines, RwandAir is changing the market shape.

Cont'd

7b. It makes sense to have a national carrier that will bring people into your country, when you've done the ground work to improve tourism services and attract investments. Against all odds, RwandAir is the most affordable African airline of quality. FACT!

8. Rwanda has set itself up as the meeting hot spot in Africa. Wonder why many conferences go to Rwanda? Kigali is serviced by major airlines, visa on arrival for $30, the city is clean, facilities work and the people are warm! This is how to build a country's tourism footfall.

9. There is strength in unity! Kenya and Uganda have overshadowed Rwanda in the East for a long time. Instead of fighting this, Rwanda signed on to the East African Tourist Visa that allows access to all 3 countries. So if you go to Kenya, you can easily dash into Rwanda!

10. Rwanda is safe! I took a moto (bike) at 1am from my hotel to the airport because I wanted to catch a super early flight out of Kigali. I never felt unsafe for one minute, moving around. There's fun, safety, activities, art, history, culture, tech and nature! In one country.

I loved Rwanda and I cannot wait to visit again. I know how fascinating this experience was for me and even though I enjoyed every bit of Rwanda, I was also inspired by such a tiny country.

What do you think about Rwanda?